A landlord and managing agent in Gravesend have been fined nearly £30,000 after renting out unlicensed HMOs – and Gravesham Council has vowed to go after others who flout licensing laws.

The authority’s private sector housing team has been targeting unlicensed HMOs across the borough and the crackdown follows a successful amnesty last year which saw them support landlords and owners to become registered.

As a result of its enforcement action, the landlord of an unlicensed HMO in Granville Road, Gravesend (main image), was fined £10,000, and the managing agent of an HMO in Parrock Street was fined £17,500.

Warning

Councillor Karina O’Malley, (pictured) cabinet member for housing services, says the cases serve as a warning to others to get their houses in order. “We have an excellent relationship with the majority of private landlords in Gravesend who work hard to ensure their tenants live in safe, suitable accommodation,” she explains.

“Last year we worked hard to reach landlords across the borough to make sure they had the appropriate licences in place, and to work with those who needed our help in getting them.

“Now, for the good of local residents, we are pursuing those who don’t have licences. These two cases are just the start – we are actively investigating others and will follow-up on intelligence received.”

O’Malley adds that it isn’t too late for those responsible for HMOs to register them. “We would much rather every HMO in the borough be certified as safe rather than have to pursue landlords and agents with enforcement action.”

Pic credit: Google Streeview